1995 Lamborghini Cala Italdesign Concept

1995 Lamborghini Cala Italdesign Concept

A great collaboration between Italdesign and Lamborghini resulted in this marvelous design concept which was produced for the 1995 Geneva Auto Show. At the time, Automobili Lamborghini had been considering producing a sports car that could rival the Ferrari 355. To take advantage of this market, Lamborghini had prepared their P140 project but it was unfortunately cancelled due to financial restraints.

Several years later, Italdesign, an independent design studio, revived the P140. Lamborghini, lacking new products, supplied Italdesign with a P140 chassis and engine. It was there were Giorgetto Giugaro exercised his skills to revive the old design.

Giugaro’s final shape was a fantastic and like many of his prototypes, the Cala was a fully functional. Infact, it was tested by many journalists after Geneva and most publications had good things to say about the road handling that lived up to usual Lamborghini expectation.

The car itself was built around a bonded sheet aluminum chassis and powered by the P140 V10 engine that produced 400 bhp.

Inside, the Cala had a new upholstery that offered a mix of leathers and suedes. Recaro seats comforted the driver, while wraparound white gauges delivered the necessary information. Also worth mentioning is the targa roof system, which had detachable panels that could be stored behind the seats.

Unfortunately, the Cala concept was completely sidelined when Lamborghini was sold to Audi. However, the concept of producing a V10-powered ‘baby Lambo’ was not lost and in 2003 the production Gallardo was launched. Gallardo was also an Italdesign project, with Giorgetto’s son, Fabrizio Giugaro, taking credit for the design.

The sole Cala prototype still survives. It is housed at Italdesign’s museum where its timeless design can be appreciated by all.

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